Washer Vibrating or Shaking

The part(s) or condition(s) listed below for the symptom Washer vibrating or shaking are ordered from most likely to least likely to occur. Check or test each item, starting with the items at the top of the page.

Most Frequent Causes for Washer vibrating or shaking

One or more of the shock absorbers might be broken or worn out. The shock absorbers dampen the vibration of the washer tub. If one or more of the shock absorbers are worn out, the washer will vibrate or shake. Sometimes, when a washer is moved to another location, the shock absorbers can separate. Check the shock absorbers to ensure that they are positioned correctly, and inspect them for damage and wear. If one or more of the shock absorbers are broken or worn out, we recommend replacing all of the shock absorbers as a preventative measure.

Parts

Shock Absorber

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Cause 2Suspension Rod

One or more of the suspension rods might be broken. The suspension rods help to dampen the movement of the washer tub. If one or more of the suspension rods are broken, the washer will vibrate or shake. To determine if the suspension rods are at fault, check the rods to determine if any of them are broken. If a suspension rod is broken, replace it.

Parts

Suspension Rod

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Cause 3Suspension Spring

One or more of the suspension springs might be broken. The suspension springs help to absorb the movement of the washer tub. If a suspension spring breaks, the tub might become unbalanced, causing it to shake and vibrate during operation. Inspect the suspension springs to determine if any of the springs are broken. If a suspension spring is broken, replace it.

Parts

Suspension Spring

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Cause 4Counter Balance Spring

One or more of the counterbalance springs might be broken. The counterbalance springs help to absorb the movement of the washer tub. If a spring breaks, the tub might become unbalanced, causing it to shake and vibrate during operation. Inspect the counterbalance springs to determine if any of the springs are broken. If a counterbalance spring is broken, replace it. Additionally, check the frame where the counterbalance springs are attached. If the frame is rusted, replace it.

Parts

Counter Balance Spring

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Cause 5Snubber Ring

The snubber ring dampens the vibration of the washer tub. If the snubber ring is cracked or worn out, the washer will vibrate or shake during operation. Inspect the snubber ring for damage. If the snubber ring is cracked or worn out, replace it.

Parts

Snubber Ring

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Cause 6Snubber Pad

The snubber pad dampens the vibration of the washer tub. If the snubber pad is worn out missing, or coated with a sticky substance (such as detergent, fabric softener, or transmission oil), the washer will vibrate or shake during operation. Inspect the snubber pad. If the snubber pad is worn out or missing, replace it.

Parts

Snubber Pad

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Cause 7Shipping Bolt

All front loading washers are delivered with shipping bolts to stabilize the drum system during transportation. These shipping bolts must be removed when the washer is installed. If the shipping bolts are not removed, the washing machine will shake, bounce, and vibrate significantly during operation. Remove the shipping bolts and save them in case you need to move your washer to a new location.

Parts

Shipping Bolt

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Cause 8Shipping Bolt Kit

Washer vibration can occur if the shipping bolts have not been removed. All front loading washers are delivered with shipping bolts to stabilize the drum system during transportation. The bolts are located at the back of the washer and they must be removed before use otherwise the machine will shake and bounce around significantly.

Parts

Shipping Bolt Kit

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Cause 9Balance Ring

The balance ring may have lost its fluid. The balance ring sits on top of the outer tub and helps to counter the force of the spin cycle. The balance ring is filled with fluid. This fluid helps to dampen the vibration of the washer. If this fluid leaks out of the balance ring, the washer tub will vibrate and shake during operation. Check the balance to determine if is still filled with fluid. If the balance ring is emptied of fluid, replace it.

Parts

Balance Ring

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Cause 10Shock Dampening Device

The shock dampening device helps to absorb the movement of the washer tub as it spins. If the shock dampening device is broken, the tub might become unbalanced, causing it to shake and vibrate during the spin cycle. Inspect the shock dampening device to determine if is broken. If the shock dampening device is broken, replace it.

Parts

Shock Dampening Device

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Cause 11Tub Wear Pad

The tub wear pad dampens the vibration of the washer tub. If the tub wear pad is worn out or missing, the washer will vibrate or shake during operation. Inspect the tub wear pad. If the tub wear pad is worn out or missing, replace it.

Parts

Tub Wear Pad

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Cause 12Rear Drum with Bearing

The rear drum has a bearing or bearings in it to keep the inner tub spinning smoothly. If the tub bearing system is defective the washer can develop a bad vibration. On some machines bearings are sold separately from the rear drum, however we recommend replacing both the outer drum and bearing as an assembly if the manufacturer offers the components together because removing and pressing in the new bearing can be exceptionally difficult.
Be aware that replacing the outer tub and bearing is also not easy and can be very costly.

Parts

Rear Drum with Bearing

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